Artelium x Kew Wakehurst: The Shared Story
‘Wood, Earth Hoop’ by Walter Bailey at Artelium Vineyard
At first glance, a vineyard and a botanic garden may seem very different places. Yet Artelium Wine Estate and Kew Wakehurst share a remarkably similar vision: celebrating the connection between people, landscape, creativity and the natural world.
Both destinations invite visitors to slow down, engage their senses and experience nature in a meaningful way. At Artelium, that experience unfolds through exceptional English wine, contemporary art and regenerative vineyard practices. At Wakehurst, it is expressed through internationally significant conservation work, botanical collections and ambitious outdoor arts programmes.Together, these shared values form the inspiration behind the Wakehurst Wine Walk in partnership with Artelium, an event that brings art, nature and wine together in one unforgettable Sussex experience.
The Landscape That Connects Us
Both Artelium and Wakehurst are rooted in the Sussex landscape.
At Artelium, the South Downs provide the backdrop for our vineyards, where cool-climate conditions are helping establish England as one of the world's most exciting wine regions.
Just a short distance away, Wakehurst's 500-acre landscape is home to woodland, gardens, wildflower meadows and the world-famous Millennium Seed Bank, managed by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
These landscapes are more than scenic settings; they are living ecosystems that shape everything we do. Whether nurturing vines or protecting endangered plant species, both organisations recognise the importance of working in partnership with nature.
Sustainability at the Heart of the Story
Sustainability is a central theme that links Artelium and Wakehurst.At Wakehurst, the Millennium Seed Bank represents one of the most important conservation projects in the world. Since opening in 2000, it has safeguarded more than 2.5 billion seeds from over 40,000 plant species, helping combat biodiversity loss and supporting habitat restoration projects globally.
The Seed Bank's work reminds us that protecting biodiversity is vital for the future of our environment, food systems and communities. With an estimated 45% of flowering plants threatened with extinction, seed conservation has never been more important.
At Artelium, sustainability informs how we farm, grow and produce our wines. From nurturing healthy vineyard ecosystems to encouraging biodiversity throughout the estate, our philosophy is centred on working responsibly within the landscape we call home. Like the Millennium Seed Bank, we believe that caring for the natural environment today is an investment in future generations.This shared commitment to stewardship creates a natural partnership between vineyard and garden, conservation and cultivation.
Art in the Landscape
Art has long been used to deepen our connection with nature.
Wakehurst regularly brings world-class contemporary art into its landscape. Visitors can encounter monumental sculptures, site-specific installations and artist commissions that encourage new ways of seeing the natural world. Recent programmes have included works by Henry Moore, Rana Begum, Paloma Varga Weisz and Rafael Pérez Evans, alongside the wider Seedscapes exhibition inspired by the Millennium Seed Bank.
Art is equally embedded within the identity of Artelium.
The estate was founded on the idea that exceptional wine and art belong together. Throughout the vineyard and tasting spaces, visitors encounter a changing programme of exhibitions, installations and artist collaborations that celebrate creativity alongside winemaking.
Experience the Wakehurst Wine Walk
This summer, Artelium is delighted to partner with Kew Wakehurst for the Wakehurst Wine Walk: Henry Moore Edition on Friday 17th July.
The evening begins with a glass of English sparkling wine before guests follow a self-guided route through Wakehurst's gardens, stopping at curated tasting points along the way. Visitors can enjoy Artelium wines paired with local Sussex cheeses while hearing from wine specialists, horticultural experts and art guides. The route incorporates Wakehurst's outdoor sculpture programme, including monumental works by Henry Moore and contemporary installations throughout the landscape.
The result is a uniquely Sussex experience where art, landscape and wine come together after hours.
Discover Artelium’s Vineyard
Inspired by the Wine Walk?
Continue the journey at Artelium Wine Estate.
Our vineyard tours and wine tastings offer the opportunity to explore the landscape where our wines are grown, learn about English winemaking and discover the art that shapes our estate.
From vineyard walks and guided tastings to seasonal dining experiences and outdoor sculpture, every visit offers a chance to experience the unique relationship between creativity, nature and wine.
-
The Wine Walk is on the evening of Friday 17th July. It is part of Kew Wakehurst’s programme of ‘Latehurst’ summer evening events. Discover more here.
-
The evening will include a welcome drink, three tasting stops of Artelium wines along the route, and optional food and drink offerings at the end of the walk.